Ben Sulayem promotes the inclusion of women in Formula 1 and motorsport.

In a context of transformation and modernization of motorsport, Mohammed ben Sulayem, president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), has emphasized the need to create opportunities for women in Formula 1. During his recent visit to Lima, where he participated in the FIA American Congress, the former rally driver stressed that it is imperative to "break all barriers" that hinder female inclusion in this category. This statement comes at a time when the sport seeks to diversify and adapt to the demands of an increasingly discerning global audience in terms of equality. The lack of female representation in Formula 1 has been a topic of debate for years. Ben Sulayem, who has been a fervent advocate for inclusion, argues that part of the problem lies in the transition from lower categories to F1, where physical differences can present a challenge. To address this situation, he has proposed the creation of vehicles with features that facilitate driving for women, emphasizing the importance of adapting technology to different capabilities. Furthermore, the FIA president highlighted the need to encourage female participation from the earliest stages of motorsport, such as karting and lower formulas. According to his words, the goal is that, in the near future, women can be seen competing in Formula 1, which would represent a significant advance towards gender equity in the sport. This initiative aligns with a growing movement within the motorsport community that seeks not only to attract more women but also to create a more equitable and accessible environment. During the celebration of the centenary of the Touring Automobile Club of Peru and the 120th anniversary of the FIA, Ben Sulayem also spoke about the importance of mobility and road safety activities. In his speech, he mentioned that America is a continent rich in culture and potential for the development of motorsport, which justifies the choice of Lima as the congress's venue. "Hosting this event is a step towards promoting a more inclusive and sustainable motorsport," he stated. The cost of motorsport has also been a hot topic in the conversation. The FIA is working on a plan to make motor disciplines more accessible, especially in South America, where costs can be prohibitive. According to Ben Sulayem, implementing regulations that allow clubs and federations to develop their own competitions at a lower cost is one of the key strategies to democratize access to motorsport. "Reducing the price by almost 70% is a step towards inclusion," he asserted. Road safety also took a central place on the congress agenda. Ben Sulayem highlighted that the FIA has over 80 million members worldwide, which gives it the capacity to influence mobility and safety issues. "Our role is to ensure that motorsport is not only exciting but also safe," he said, emphasizing the FIA's responsibility to work towards sustainable mobility. On the other hand, the FIA president expressed optimism regarding the competitiveness of Formula 1. The upcoming season promises to be intense, with teams like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari closing in on the current dominance of Red Bull. According to Ben Sulayem, this year has seen an increase in competition, which is positive for the spectacle and for fans. Regarding the World Rally Championship, Ben Sulayem expressed his interest in having Argentina return to the circuit, highlighting the rich history of motorsport in the country and the importance of fostering events that promote this tradition. "We are working hand in hand with the Automóvil Club Argentino to regain its place on the calendar," he commented enthusiastically. The conversation shifted towards sustainability, where Ben Sulayem made it clear that the FIA is committed to the transition towards greener mobility. This includes not only Formula 1 but all disciplines under its umbrella. "It is time for motorsport to also adapt to the environmental realities of the 21st century," he stated. The future of motorsport is full of challenges and opportunities. With leaders like Mohammed ben Sulayem at the helm, motorsport could be on the brink of a new era where inclusion, sustainability, and safety are the norm rather than the exception. The hope is that, alongside these initiatives, a new generation of drivers, fans, and, above all, a more diverse audience will be attracted, seeing motorsport as a space for equality and opportunities for all.